PHILOSOPHY OF CARE Hedgehogs, Foxes, and thinking like a doctor

Written By Dr Shashi Ponraja

A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog knows one big thing. ‍ ‍

At some point in our careers, many of us are confronted with a choice between breadth and depth. It is a debate that has been with us for almost as long as we have had language.

I identify strongly with the fox, and I am sure most of my GP colleagues would too.

Why should being a fox or a hedgehog matter? When I travel to a new city, I love to see it from its tallest places down to its busiest streets, so I can really get a feel for the soul of that city. I believe people, and their health needs, are the same. It is never only the one thing, so I want to know about all the other things too.

That, to me, is the essence of integrative and holistic medicine.

Dr Shashi Ponraja

Dr Shashi is a Specialist General Practitioner with a background in psychiatry and family medicine, and a strong interest in chronic disease, mental health, dermatology, and preventative care. He holds Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and is a member of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.

He brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to care, and works closely with patients to navigate complex or long-standing health concerns.

Outside of clinic life, Dr Shashi enjoys travel, reading, programming, and is an accomplished dancer in the style of Michael Jackson.

Languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia/Bahasa Indonesia

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